The heart-warming story of a Yorkshire teenager, who set up Hecky Pets with his father despite experiencing serious health problems, has led to the pet shop being nominated for a New Business Award. Find out more about an amazing 18-year-old called Liam Gawthorpe.

Liam was born with heart and lung conditions, and had to undergo emergency surgery three years ago for a brain abscess. But undeterred, he set up Hecky Pets, in Market Street, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, to leave a legacy for his two younger brothers.

Now the pet shop, which is co-run by his father Neil, has been nominated for the Reporter Series New Business of the Year award

“Liam wanted to show everyone that even with an illness, you can still be successful if you have the passion and drive to achieve your dreams,” said Neil.

“I am so proud of the way he, his brothers and mum all stick together regardless of what is happening. He is an inspiration to everybody that speaks to him. He motivates people just by telling his story. To see him carry on is phenomenal.”

This week Neil spoke to Pet Trade Xtra about Liam's amazing drive and determination...

How and when did the Hecky Pets story begin and whose idea was it?
It all started when Liam was selling planters on Heckmondwike market, with myself. A customer told us the stall used to be a pet stall. After talking that night with Liam we chose to spend our last few quid on pet supplies. 

How did the business develop?
Over a period of 10 months on the local market we grew from strength to strength, eventually taking the largest pitch for a short spell. When we got the chance of a shop unit  we grabbed the opportunity - this was the solid base that Hecky Pets needed to expand and get stronger.

Are you a family of pet lovers?
Yes we are a family of pet lovers with two tropical fish tanks, two dogs, one parrot and 12 guinea pigs.

Where did the name Hecky Pets come from?
As the locals call the town Hecky we thought it was an appropriate name for the new shop.

Who works in the business?
We have one part time member of staff and everyone in the family helps out on weekends.

Do you cater for all pet lovers?
Yes we have items for dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, rabbits and guinea pigs

How big do you want Hecky Pets to become?
So long as our customers are happy and can find something a little different for their pets then we will be happy whatever the size of the company.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/www.heckypets.co.uk

One of the most eye-catching products on show at the recent PATS Harrogate exhibition was the VARIO lead from market-leading company flexi...

The impressive flexi stand was a hive of activity during the two-day show with visiting retailers eager to see the new VARIO lead, which is available in both tape and cord models and in different sizes and colors.

User-friendly features for safe and flexible use are highlights of this new product range:

• New patented short-stroke braking system
• Patented customized handle adjustment settings
• Patented fast coupling system to easily attach interchangeable
  bite belts
• Matching exchangeable accessories
• Elegant design

Well-designed accessories complete the VARIO product range – an LED lighting system with front and rear light, a multi box for snacks or poop bags, a nylon coupler for two dogs and a shock absorber belt to avoid jolting of the dog.

For the market launch flexi are supporting retailers with high-profile presentations at the point of sale.

“With this campaign, we are intentionally pursuing our company goal of strengthening the flexi brand internationally, further enhancing our quality and market leadership, and impressing retailers and consumers every day with our ongoing innovations,” says founder and CEO Manfred Bogdahn.

www.flexi.de

Pedigree Wholesale has launched a new corporate image as it aims to become the No 1 wholesaler of choice in the specialist independent pet and aquatic sector.

2012 was a milestone year for one of the UK’s biggest pet and aquatic wholesalers, as the company celebrated 40 years in business.

The pet market today is completely different than when Pedigree Wholesale was originally set up with evermore sophisticated and demanding consumers, the onset of technology, new product development and online shopping.

While times have changed since the business was started the overriding principles on which Pedigree Wholesale were built around haven’t. While today’s orders might be placed online and processed through modern warehouses Pedigree haven’t forgotten what made them different from the start – their people. As well as a great range of over 10,000 products from the market leading brands Pedigree are committed to providing excellent customer service, with everyone in the business taking responsibility for ensuring this happens.

Going forward Pedigree Wholesale’s aim is to become the number one wholesaler of choice in the specialist independent pet and aquatic sector. Against a background of challenging market conditions including a tough economic climate, limited market growth, competition pressure and greater price awareness Pedigree undertook a full strategic review to ensure that they are geared up to meet today’s challenges head on and support their customer base.

As part of this review Pedigree commissioned a third party to carry out a programme of market research to help them understand what customers are looking for from their preferred wholesaler and how Pedigree can help their business. Excellent relationships with suppliers are critical to business success. Retailers want to deal with people who know what they’re talking about, who are passionate about the pet and aquatic industry, with the experience to talk to retailers about which products will sell through to dedicated drivers who know where to park and unload stock and helpful and friendly customer service advisors. 

Following on from the review Pedigree Wholesale are delighted to announce the launch of a new corporate logo which clearly and simply communicates what Pedigree Wholesale is all about – Here for your pet or aquatic business. Pedigree Wholesale is proud to support the nation’s pet and aquatic businesses and every day for every customer their aim is to get it right – first time, every time.

If you would like more information about Pedigree Wholesale call 0115 982 3900 or e. info@petproducts.co.uk



Pedigree Wholesale's new branding was in clear evidence during PATS Harrogate.

The award-winning retail chain Just for Pets plans to add to its current 21 stores while continuing to put animal welfare at the heart of its business.

Following the company's success in winning the Best Retail Chain in the PetQuip Industry Awards, operations director Kate Byrne revealed to Pet Trade Xtra what made Just for Pets stand out from the crowd.

How many stores is there in the Just for Pets portfolio?

We have 21 at present, varying in size from 1,200 to 8,000 sq ft.

Are they all run on the same lines or do you allow individual managers to put their own stamp on things?

All our stores are different, and therefore each has its own character, this goes for our store managers too! Although product ranges, policies and much of the merchandising is the same across the board, depending on store size, each manager is actively encouraged to put their stamp on their own store as we feel this allows them the opportunity to take pride in their store, express their individuality and get more involved. 

Do you encourage the more experienced managers to help and advise the less experienced?

Oh definitely, we are lucky enough to have a very low staff turnover and many of our managers have been friends and work colleagues for years, often working together on their career progression up to managing their own stores. Any new managers that join us spend time working with existing experienced managers. Regular meetings, training events and curry nights give them opportunity to get to know each other. In addition to this, all of our current regional managers have been Just for Pets store managers in the past and are able to recognize specific needs or weaknesses and identify the best person to help with this.

How do you spread best practice across the business?

We have a small, very close knit team, carry out our own recruitment and offer an in depth training programme for all new members joining the team. This includes an induction to the business, buddy training and training manuals that cover all key aspects of store, customer and livestock policies and also product knowledge. Regular management/ team building and training sessions are held throughout the year.

Because of our low staff turnover, new starters who join the company immediately become part of an experienced, committed team which is the best way to encourage ongoing best practice. Our buying and accounts teams although small have many years experience within the business and also work closely with the stores and warehouse as well as getting regular feedback from store teams on customer trends and requests.

What can a customer expect when he or she enters one of your stores?

Bright, colourful stores and excellent customer service and advice from friendly, knowledgeable staff. We also have on site groomers, micro chipping and even on site vaccination clinics at some stores.

How do you help the pet owner make the right choice?

When a customer comes into a Just for Pets store with a question  we will always try to help them and give them the support that they need to choose the right product or food for their pets needs. Ongoing product training is so important, and you can’t  beat  experience either when it comes to recommending a product. As a pet retailer we have a duty or care to the pets that we sell to ensure that they go to the best home possible and the welfare of that pet will always come first, we spend as much time as possible with potential new pet owners to ensure that they are making the right choice for their circumstances, and that they understand the importance of their responsibilities to that pet for its entire life.

Do all of your staff have to be pet lovers?

Due to the diverse nature of the business and the fact that everything revolves around pets, the care of pets and their welfare, I can’t see many non pet lovers being interested in working in pet retail. There is no other retail like it, it is emotional, great fun, interesting, each day is different and it attracts such a great mix of people both as employees and customers.

As a pet lover working in pet retail, nothing beats meeting a new pet for the first time and being able to watch it grow and develop on regular visits to the store is a fantastic part of the job, The other side can be heartbreaking, when a regular customer has to say goodbye to a much loved pet that has been part of their family for many years, you just want to give them a hug as you can understand how devastating this can be.

Not all of our new employees have pets when they come to us, they may be between pets, this never lasts long though!

How much importance do you place in spreading the message of good pet welfare?

We will always try and put the pets needs first, welfare is of huge importance, it is not enough to love a pet, you need to appreciate its specific needs and requirements. Whenever a customer purchases a new pet, they have to understand the responsibility that they are taking on and the duty of care that they have to their new addition. We offer a guarantee with each pet we sell, and give leaflets and advice, as well as taking as many details as possible from the customer. We will also contact the customers a few days after purchase to see if everything is ok and their new pet is settling in to its new home.

Have you got plans to open more stores?

Yes, that’s the plan. We have our own refit team, made up of people from within the business. New store openings are hard work but great fun. The pressure of working to a deadline and making sure that store is ready for the customers is really exciting and gives new staff the opportunity to become part of the team very quickly as they too get involved in the fit out. Although they can involve long hours and incredibly hard work, we have found that a good supply of chocolate biscuits works wonders at revitalizing the team!

What's the secret of your success?

A passion for pets, and long standing, experienced staff that are committed to the business and its future. All stores provide weekly feedback on customer requests and comments,  we have the ability to adapt quickly to changing trends within the sector and constantly look for new ideas and products from suppliers and aren’t afraid to try something new. Regular range reviews help to keep things interesting for our customers.,

All stores support local charities and are active in the local community, we are also very proud to be part of the guide dog’ name a puppy’ scheme and have raised over £15k in the past couple of years, this has been enough to name three guide dog puppies, one has just moved onto full training and the other two are currently with walkers.

For more information visit www.justforpets.uk.com

Enthusiam among buyers has matched that of the exhibitors in the build up to AQUA 2013 which is being staged at the International  Centre, Telford on October 9-10.

The popular Indian Dinner now has a waiting list as it is heavily oversubscribed and advance visitor registrations are way ahead of the comparable period in 2011 when the show was last held. 

The two-day exhibition has quickly established itself as the UK’s major showcase for the water gardening, aquatics and reptilian trades and has such stand space sold out months ago. All the major brands are exhibiting at AQUA 2103, itself a testament to the drawing power of the event.

Many of the exhibitors are using the show to launch new products and have entered the Awards Competition.  Among the latest companies to announce their new product plans for AQUA 2013 are Kusuri and CASCO. Kusuri say they have spent two years researching an exciting new range for the reptile hobbyist and three have been selected for the Awards completion.

Vitmix without D3 is a powder-based blend of vitamins required to boost the nutrition of reptiles, including large lizards, snakes, iguanas and adult tortoises. A user friendly, attractive foil pouch holds either 50g or 150g and includes a 0.5ml scoop for measuring before dusting any live or vegetable reptile food. There is no D3 present for reptiles kept under UV lighting which do not require to be overdosed with D3.

Reptile Wormer Pro  is  Flubendazole based medication and an easy, safe and efficient way of dealing with tapeworms, intestinal Helminth Worms, external ticks and parasites. A user friendly, attractive foil pouch holds 5g and includes a 0.5ml scoop for measuring before dusting any live or vegetable reptile food.

Extra Phos is a perfectly researched balance of Phosphorus, Calcium and Montmorillonite Clay for supplementing Herbivores diet. A user friendly, attractive foil pouch holds either 50g or 150g and includes a 0.5ml scoop for measuring before dusting any vegetable reptile food.

Shopfitting specilaists CASCO’s new PetStack is a high-quality habitat that can be assembled in different configurations. As the name suggests the PetStack has a series of inter-connecting parts and habitats that stack together to build the complete unit. This means retailers can ‘Mix & Match’ small animal, reptile and bird displays to get the exact balance of livestock to meet their particular needs. The PetStack can be stacked to one, two, three or even four levels, to make use of any awkward spaces.

Tony Sarson from CASCO’s design team said: “We believe that quality and design should also be affordable. The innovative design of the PetStack gives pet store owners on tighter budgets the flexibility to expand their range and maximise their retail floor space.”

Recognising the importance of the value of winning one of the five Awards in the competition, the presentation ceremony has been rescheduled to lunch time on the opening day. Show organiser Annie Dyke explained: “Our original intention was to announce the results at the Indian Dinner, but the consensus of opinion was that the winners would not gain the maximum publicity from their achievement so we were more than happy to bring the announcement forward.”

Buyers intending to visit AQUA 2013 but who have not yet pre-registered there is still time to do so by visiting the show’s website www.aquatelford.co.uk. 

Although it has been producing raw and ambient foods for pets for almost 33 years, Natures Menu has suddenly become a triple award-winning company.

The Norfolk-based company won two New Product Awards at PATS Harrogate, and was voted Supplier of the Year in the PetQuip Industry Awards.

So what's changed to make people sit up and take notice? UK and European key account manager Sallie-Ann King explains...

Why do you think you've been recognised with these awards?

As a company we have worked very hard to ‘get it right’. We are constantly reviewing and analysing to improve our products and develop the market further to give consumers what they want. We have invested in improving all aspects of our business and work hard to continue to do so. It was fantastic to be recognised for all the collective effort we have put in as a team to get to this point.

How has the company changed over the past couple of years? 

We’ve been making fantastic raw and ambient foods for pets for almost 33 years now and we knew we had a great proposition to offer the discerning pet owner. Over the past two years we have worked very hard to share our journey and create a strong brand image which consumers identified with as being natural and honest. We’ve looked carefully at product quality for existing lines and product innovation for developing ranges. Showcasing a whole new range of products at PATS has helped to strengthen our relationship with retailers.

Retailers are obviously believing in your products – is their enthusiasm starting to rub off on their consumers? 

Our customers have grown with us and we are where we are today because they have tried and tested our products, loved them and come back for more! We have invested, and continue to invest heavily, in supporting our customers. We have a field customer support team who cover the whole of the UK to help our customers reach their full potential as Natures Menu stockists.

How do you support the retailer in promoting and marketing your products? 

We offer a fantastic support network including store visits, training days, eye-catching point of sale, nutritional support, plus a fantastic in-house sales and customer service team to offer advice and collect orders. Our fleet of dual compartment temperature controlled delivery vans run from our four depots across the UK to deliver customer orders as and when they need them.

Do you think more pet owners are moving towards ethically sourced ingredients for their animal's food? 

Absolutely! I think people are more aware in general. What they eat themselves, what they feed their families and pets fall into this category so it’s inevitable they start to think about what they are feeding. Poor quality foods are accountable for so many ailments in both human and pet foods and people are becoming more aware of this link. At Natures Menu we operate a strict animal welfare policy and control 100% of our raw material sourcing ensuring we only use the best fresh ingredients in our products. 

What benefits does your food give my dog that it can't get from a bag of food bought cheaply at my local supermarket? 

The entire Natures Menu range lists meat as its first ingredient. When we say this we mean real meat in its natural state. We don’t process or grind it, we just mince, chop or slice it then add fresh vegetables, fruit, oils and selected herbs. We offer clear transparent labelling, lots of fresh meat in every product and minimal processing. We make real food for pets - the kind of food dogs and cats are supposed to eat and love to eat! It’s amazing when customers make the switch and then see the difference...we never get bored of that!

For more information visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk



Is this just the start of the award-winning trail for the Natures Menu team?

Speaking for the RWAF, Rae Todd said: "As we know only too well from our contact with rescue shelters and the public, rabbits sold in pet shops are often bought by people who are not aware of the needs of the species. This is a problem that the RWAF tries to tackle on a daily basis, but in the case of the BBC sell-off it is exacerbated, knowing that the rabbits in question have become used to an enriched environment, and yet could end up alone in a hutch.

"We have attempted to contact the BBC and the production company,  to try and work out a practical solution that does not result in the rabbits going through the pet shop system. We know that many individuals have also raised their concerns.

"The BBC - funded by the British public through the license fee – has not even had the courtesy to respond. The RWAF is appalled that the national broadcaster would not even take the trouble to engage with a national charity with only one agenda, to ensure the welfare of defenceless animals.

"It would be a travesty if these animals - that the programme itself showed to be curious, athletic and sociable - become doomed to live a life of solitary confinement without the ability to display their natural behaviours."

The award-winning supplements firm Lintbells has expanded its marketing team as the company continues its rapid and significant growth in the animal health sector.

Recent graduate Kris Sonigra has joined the Hertfordshire-based company as a Marketing Assistant.  Kris (24), of Southgate, North London, gained his degree in Business Studies from the University of Hertfordshire during which he lived in Australia for a year as part of an exchange programme.

Kris will work alongside Anna Prest who won the Young Marketeer of the Year award at the prestigious Veterinary Marketing Association Awards 2012.  His role will include working on the company’s marketing and advertising campaigns as well as involvement with veterinary exhibitions such as BSAVA and BVNA Congresses.

Commenting on his appointment Kris said:  “This was a wonderful opportunity to join a dynamic company that has achieved so much since it was launched just over five years ago.  I love cats and dogs, especially Great Danes and Chihuahuas, so I really feel I am in my perfect job and look forward to playing my part in Lintbells’ ongoing success.”

Co-founder and Marketing Director of Lintbells John Howie said:  “We are delighted to have Kris on board and he joins at a very exciting time in the company’s development.  We are continuing to see substantial growth for our veterinary products and natural supplements, which shows no sign of stopping.

“Marketing is key to our success as we expand our product range and look to develop new markets globally. Kris’s appointment will help us accelerate the established relationships we have in the veterinary, and showing, working and companion dog fields as we continue to offer proven affordable health solutions in animal care.”

Lintbells was established in 2007 and produces the YUMEGA range of skin and coat supplements and the YUMOVE range of mobility and joint health supplements as well as a growing number of natural health and veterinary strength products for cats and dogs.

For more information visit www.lintbells.com

Pictured above: The Lintbells marketing team (from left to right) Kris Sonigra, Anna Prest and co-founder John Howie.

Harper and Jay Elcock have become the first people in the UK to achieve a prestigious Kennel Club teaching qualification for their work in training assistance dogs.

Helen, aged 32, and Jay, aged 31, are the first people to become Kennel Club Accredited Instructors in Assistance Dogs after successfully completing the qualification offered by the Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Canine Behaviour (KCAI).

Helen has worked as an independent dog trainer and behaviourist for 14 years and currently works as an instructor for Dogs for the Disabled, helping people with disabilities gain greater independence.  This isn’t Helen’s first KCAI accreditation as she was one of the youngest people ever to achieve the prestigious KCAI accreditation for Companion Dogs in 2012 at the age of 30.

Jay works in the training team at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, and since joining the KCAI scheme she has progressed to senior dog trainer and is now a training team leader at the charity’s head office in Buckinghamshire. Jay started on the KCAI scheme with a small group of her colleagues from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and the charity has worked closely with the Kennel Club to develop the assistance dogs accreditation module.

Speaking about her latest accreditation, Helen (left) said: “I feel privileged and honoured to be one of the first Kennel Club Accredited Instructors in Assistance Dogs in the country. I’m happy to be part of an accredited body and the benefits it will bring. In this ever-growing industry, with more and more people who are not formally qualified, I hope this will allow people to make the best possible choice when choosing a trainer.

“It was a great goal to work towards and it’s fantastic to be one of the first. I just hope others out there in the industry decide to gain an accreditation in assistance dogs as it is a great scheme and it is very rewarding when an external body recognises your achievement.”

Jay commented: “I am incredibly proud to be one of the first assistance dog accredited instructors.  I am very grateful to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People for all of their support and also to the various people at the Kennel Club who help make the scheme run so smoothly.  I think it is fantastic to have an industry led accreditation for all the hard work and dedication that working in this field requires.  The Kennel Club has been great all the way and I'd like to especially thank my assessor Di Morgan for her support during the day of my observation."

As part of their accreditation, Helen and Jay were observed handling and training an assistance dog and observed working with two clients along with their dogs. The clients were at differing levels of ability and Helen and Jay offered constructive advice on how to go through the stages of training, how to deal with potential problems and how to work with the dog. The clients were assisted where necessary and were given extensive support to ensure that they progressed and gained confidence.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “This national standard for assistance dogs is a great way to recognise the hard work and dedication of people such as Jay and Helen. We congratulate them in their success and look forward to more assistance dog trainers following in their footsteps.

“The unique flexibility of the KCAI means that other organisations which represent and work with canine trainers, advisors and behaviourists can link with the scheme and its overall badge of quality without losing their independence, individuality or identity.”

For more information on the KCAI, please visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/.

The Kennel Club has approved a new DNA testing scheme for Progressive Retinal Atrophy 3 (PRA3) in Tibetan Spaniels following consultation with the breed’s Breed Health Coordinator, on behalf of the breed clubs.

In the UK, this test is offered by the Animal Health Trust (www.aht.org.uk) and further details can be obtained directly from them.

Copies of all future test certificate results issued by the AHT will be sent directly to the Kennel Club, where the test result will be added to the dog’s registration details which will trigger the publication of the test result in the next available Breed Records Supplement.

The result will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog, on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website.  Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves.

If the owner includes the original registration certificate for the dog (not a copy) then a new registration certificate will be issued, with the DNA result on it, free of charge.  Please send any DNA test certificates to Health & Breeder Services, The Kennel Club, 1 – 5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB or scan and email copies of the certificates to hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk.

The Kennel Club continues to work alongside breed clubs and breed health coordinators, in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs.  The Kennel Club is happy to accommodate a club's request to add a new DNA test to its lists and would normally need a formal request from the breed's health coordinator or a majority request from the breed clubs.

Animal print clothing has been banned from a wildlife park in Surrey because it is confusing the animals.

Chessington World of Adventures Resort has hired bouncers to make sure visitors are following the new rule.

Spokeswoman Natalie Dilloway said a lot of animals were "becoming baffled" by what seemed to be zebras and giraffes on their terrain.

Other zoos, including London Zoo, Longleat Safari Park and Whipsnade Zoo, said animal print was not banned.

Chessington's ban follows the launch of the park's African experience Zufari, which allows guests to take an off-road "safari".

The 22-acre trail is modelled on the Serengeti plains, enabling guests to interact more closely with the animals.

Keepers said animal prints could cause the animals to try to communicate with those wearing them, or to run away in fear.

It has also banned such clothing from elsewhere on the site.

Anyone seen wearing animal print is being supplied with a grey boilers suit by the bouncers.

Banned prints include zebra, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, tiger, spotted hyena, striped hyena and African wild dog.

Martin Stevens, a senior research fellow at the University of Exeter who specialises in animal colouration and behaviour, said: "It's possible the animals could misinterpret the clothing if they are looking out for signs of danger.

"However, animals will process a whole bunch of information, including smell and how it's moving, to deduce whether it's a threat."

London Zoo, Longleat Safari Park and Whipsnade Zoo said visitors had not been banned from wearing animal print clothing.

A spokesman for Longleat said: "We ensure that the environment that the animals live in is safe.

"We are comfortable that neither our animals or visitors are at risk of any harm."